Movies
Do You Need to Watch ‘The Backrooms’ YouTube Series Before Seeing The Movie?
Adapting internet properties to other media is never easy, but some ideas are especially well-suited for adaptations. Kane Parson’s YouTube reimagining of the Backrooms Creepypasta is certainly one of these ideas, as it was only a matter of time before Hollywood would come knocking after Kane’s Found Footage scare-fest went viral back in 2021.
However, with A24’s The Backrooms set to be released in theaters later this month after years of development (with Kane having even been secretly mentored by Longlegs director Osgood Perkins during production), plenty of fans have been left wondering if the movie is meant to be a continuation of the original YouTube series or a complete remake of the same story.
Newcomers have also been asking online if they need to catch up with the ARG in order to fully enjoy the movie, especially since it looks like it may very well be the horror event of the Summer.
Thankfully, we’ve got answers for you!
During a Discord chat with fans from a couple of months ago, Kane sneakily revealed that the upcoming film is 100% in-canon with the YouTube series and even appears to take place during the same time frame in the 1990s. It’s also not exactly a sequel to the ARG, as the project was developed as a standalone story that could entertain audiences that weren’t yet familiar with the concept of The Backrooms.
In short: no, you don’t need to watch the YouTube series in order to understand the movie, though it certainly takes place within the same universe as those original “tapes”.
That being said, I’d still recommend checking out Kane’s channel as it’ll likely help viewers to recognize eerie little clues and Easter Eggs in the upcoming film.
It’s also a completely free source of Found Footage frights, so what’s not to love?
The Backrooms will be available in theaters starting May 29.
Sunrise Films has announced the official North American release of William Bagley‘s horror comedy Hold the Fort, and it’s accompanied by an energetic new trailer.
Hold the Fort debuts on digital platforms on June 23.
In the film, “Lucas and Jenny think their life is finally coming together when the couple become homeowners. Little do they know that their new house comes with a big catch. Lucas and Jenny soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when they become trapped in a battle between their Homeowners Association and an onslaught of monsters from hell. The horror-comedy takes the timely concern of home-ownership and wraps this up in an entertaining action-packed thrill ride.“
Watch the new trailer below, which introduces one wild HOA gathering during an equinox. Things get bloody fast.
Chris Mayers (Adult Swim Yule Log), Haley Leary (“The Walking Dead”), Levi Burdick, and Julian Smith star.
William Bagley writes and directs, in addition to producing with Smith, Matt Dodd, Luke Williams, and Tim Reis (Adult Swim Yule Log).
Ahead of the release, Bagley said, “My goal with this film was to make a hilarious, fast-paced thrill ride while also telling a great story with heart. Hopefully, through all the blood, laughs, fights, and gags, you leave the film feeling inspired to tackle whatever life throws at you.“
Hold the Fort premiered at Fantasia last summer before going on to play FrightFest London, Toronto After Dark, and Beyond Fest.
I wrote in my review, “It’s an infectiously charming assemblage of jokes and monster vignettes bound together by a barebones plot with not much on its mind beyond delivering an entertaining time.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.